St. Rita Academics 0910

Academic Programs St. Rita of Cascia High School is completely committed to a College Preparatory curriculum. All

students are placed in an academic program that is tailored to meet their needs. Our course of studies will challenge each student to fully develop his intellectual talents. The Augustinian Academy allows qualified students the opportunity of accelerated course work. The Mendel Academic Program provides students all the essential tools for success at the college level. The program structured through the Villanova Academic Study Center provides individual attention, small group work, and advice regarding study and organizational skills to those who need some assistance. All students, regardless of their academic program, may avail themselves of the services offered by the Villanova Academic Study Center.

Diploma Requirements All Students, including those involved in the Villanova Academic Study Center, must meet the same college preparatory graduation requirements of St. Rita High School:

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3 Years Theology 4 Years English 3 Years Math ▷ (Algebra I, Geometry, Algebra II required) 3 Years Science (Biology required) 3 Years Social Studies ▷ (U.S. History and American Government required) 2 Years Foreign Language (Same language) 1 Semester Health 7 Semesters of Electives (minimum) Pass a comprehensive exam on the United States and Illinois Constitutions

In addition to the academic diploma requirements, students are required to complete service hours and write a reflection paper in each of the freshman, sophomore, and junior years.

Class of 2009 • ACT Composite of Honors Students – 29 • 97% of Graduates Currently Enrolled in College • $10.6 million in merit-based scholarships

▷ 333 Scholarships Awarded

• 61 Members of the National Honor Society • 30 Illinois State Scholars • 43 Presidential Education Awards St. Rita Graduates are currently enrolled in prestigious universities across the country, including: Annapolis, University of Notre Dame, University of Chicago, Northwestern University, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Cornell University, Yale University, University of Southern California, Villanova University, University of Virginia, U.S. Air Force Academy, among many other fine institutions.

“The teacher’s function is to develop a gradual approach for the student to the truth, especially for those who, while they may have a love of learning, have yet to develop a sharpness of mind. Without a careful and progressive plan, success cannot be achieved.” – St. Augustine (Soliloquies, 1, 23)

St. Rita of Cascia High School An Augustinian College Prep School Since 1905 7740 S. Western Avenue | Chicago, Illinois 60620 | 773-925-6600 | www.stritahs.com

Augustinian Academy A Rigorous Academic Program for Gifted and Motivated Students

Enrollment Enrollment in the Augustinian Academy is based on: Entrance exam score, 7th and 8th grade reports, discussion with 8th grade teachers, and parental input.

Program Guide Freshman

Sophomore

Junior

• Theology I

• Theology II

• Foreign Language I

• Foreign Language II Honors

• Algebra Theory Honors or

• Geometry Honors or

• Biology Honors

• Chemistry Honors

• Geography Honors

• English II Honors

• Advanced Technology

• AP World History

• Theology III / Health • Foreign Language III Honors • US History Honors • Physics Honors • AP Calculus or Algebra II / Trig Honors • English III Honors • Honors Visual Basic

• English I Honors

• Art / Music

• Choice: One of Three AP Courses

Geometry Honors

Algebra II / Trig Honors

Advanced Placement Courses • • • • • • •

• Theology IV / Physical Education • AP US History • AP English • Choices: Six AP Elective Courses

St. Augustine (354-430) was born in the fourth

AP French AP Latin AP Music AP Psychology AP Spanish AP U.S. History AP World History

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century and devoted his life to the monastic ideal of nurturing and spreading Christ’s way of life. Along with being a prominent figure in the religious spectrum, Augustine was also very influential in the history of education. For fifteen centuries the Augustinians have patterned their lives after St. Augustine. This is the legacy of those who teach at St. Rita High School.

When I look back on my experiences at St. Rita, many things come to mind: the high caliber of our Class of 2009 achievements, the challenges we had to overcome, and the journeys we prepared to embark upon. The biggest thing that comes to mind though is the St. Rita Family. One of the most important things St. Rita has taught me is how to appreciate people. I truly believe we are all a family.

Dan Moore

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• AP Art: 2-D Design • AP Art: Studio Drawing • AP Calculus • AP Chemistry • AP English

Senior

Mendel Academic Program A Rigorous College Prep Program for Dedicated and Motivated College Bound Students

Enrollment Enrollment in the Mendel Academic Program is based on: Entrance exam score, 7th and 8th grade reports, discussion with 8th grade teachers, and parental input.

Program Guide Freshman

Sophomore

Junior

Senior

• Theology I

• Theology II

• Theology III / Health

• Foreign Language I

• Foreign Language II

• English III

• English I

• English II

• Algebra II

• English IV

• Algebra I

• Geometry

• U.S. History

• 20th Century US History /

• Biology

• Chemistry or Chemistry in

• Physics or Anatomy or

• Computer Applications / Physical Education

the Community • World History

Earth Science • Choice: One Elective Course *

• Theology IV / Physical Education

U.S. Government • Choice: Three Elective Courses *

*Electives are chosen based on individual interests and abilities

Gregor Mendel (1822 – 1884) was an Austrian Augustinian priest and scientist, and is called the father of genetics for his study of the inheritance of traits in pea plants. Mendel spent his life teaching natural science to high school students, and was not a renowned scientist of his day. It was only later that his contribution to the field of science was recognized, as he was the first person to trace the characteristics of successive generations of a living thing. The three laws of genetics he discovered are now known as the Mendelian Laws.

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Program The course of studies for students enrolled in the Mendel Academic Program is determined on an individual basis based upon each student’s academic ability. Therefore, many students may have a course of studies comprised of some offerings found in the Augustinian Academy and other offerings from the Mendel Academic Program.

I know St. Rita is preparing me to be successful throughout my entire life. I Class of 2011 am encouraged and challenged each day to strive for my best. St. Rita provides me with an environment where I am treated as an individual and my abilities as a student are recognized. I am confident I will be well prepared for college and beyond.

Harry Zelek

Villanova Academic Study Center Providing Individual Attention for Students

About

Program

The Villanova Academic Study Center is rooted in the Augustinian tradition of meeting students where they are, and offers:

The sequence of studies is individually adjusted to assist each student reach his potential.

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Freshman Year

Individual Attention Small Group Work Organizational Skills Study Skills

Double Period of Algebra I Reading / Critical Thinking

Goals

• Daily Tutoring Available • One-on-one Conferences with Mr. Kurek Foreign Language is taken in Junior & Senior year

St. Thomas of Villanova

• For every student to be successful in his high school career • For every student to meet all of the requirements for graduation • To prepare every student for higher education

Program Success

(1486-1555) was known for his promotion of studies and missions in the Order of Saint Augustine, and for his love and care for the poor. He professed his vows as an Augustinian in 1517 and was ordained a Priest in 1518. Thomas grew into a deeply spiritual life. He lived simply, giving away the small fortune that he inherited from his parents. He became Archbishop of Valencia in 1545.

Four St. Rita students who have benefited from this program have received the Kevin Dowling Scholarship to be applied to the college of their choice. St. Rita students who have benefited from this program have gone on to higher education at institutions such as: DePaul University, Quincy University, Eastern Illinois University, Western Illinois University, Northern Illinois University, Southern Illinois University, and Moraine Valley Community College.

Mr. Richard Kurek – Director of Villanova Academic Study Center St. Rita of Cascia High School ’99 Valparaiso University ’03 | B.A. Geography / City Planning DePaul University ’08 | M.Ed. Teaching & Learning Illinois Teacher Certification | Teaching experience in full inclusion classrooms

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It’s rewarding to see students on day one come in for help and see how they grow throughout the year. It’s even more rewarding when they start to succeed and they’re proud of what they accomplished. School has become less of a “hassle” for a lot of students in the program, and they start to take more pride in their education.

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